The Canyon Lake Fire Department announced the hiring of its new Battalion Chief, Jeff Roberts, effective October 8. Roberts will oversee the Training and Operations Division of the department, succeeding Mike Samuels, who retired from the department in July.
Since Samuels’ departure, Fire Captain/Paramedic Brennain Gorter has served as the acting battalion chief.
Roberts brings more than 30 years of firefighting experience to the role. He previously worked at CALFIRE/Riverside County Fire Department, where he rose through the ranks and retired as a battalion chief in July. His extensive experience working as Battalion 2 chief for Lake Elsinore, Wildomar, and Riverside County made Roberts an exceptional candidate who stood out among others. “His background will be of great value to the department and to the residents of Canyon Lake,” the department said in its press release.
Roberts has been a Truck Company training officer, Technical and Special Rescue training officer at the Ben Clark Training Center, and fire captain at Lake Elsinore’s Station 94. Ben Clark Training Center is utilized by nearly all local fire departments, including Canyon Lake. “The Canyon Lake Fire Department is excited to bring that expertise from one of Clark’s training officers to our fire department,” the department said.
Roberts, a Canyon Lake resident, expressed his enthusiasm for the role, saying, “Working at the Canyon Lake Fire Department means serving the community I call home. I’m proud to contribute to my city and am excited to use my education and experience to benefit an already successful fire department.”
Fire Chief LaTendresse said he is “excited to have Chief Roberts” join the team and see his contribution to the future success of the Canyon Lake Fire Department.
Roberts will be instrumental in the department’s successful training and staff operations, ensuring the department’s continued readiness and advanced service.
Roberts will be officially badged by his wife on October 9, during Wednesday’s meeting of the Canyon Lake City Council.
